Bike Racks, Roof and Hitch mounts

[182RG]

Don't do it. Buy an aftermarket Hidden Hitch from etrailer.com for under $200 and go with a hitch mount. I used a "trunk" mount on my last Toyota Highlander and ended up scratching/rubbing marks in the paint. After a few trips, your going to see big rub marks on the spoiler. Not worth it.

 

[michael_jp]

182RG, thank you for the advise. What kind of trunk mount bike rack did you use before?

 

[182RG]

What kind of trunk mount bike rack did you use before?

On the Highlander, a Thule. The other issue you have, that I didn't like, is the amount of pressure on the back glass. I racked 2 bikes and it put a lot of weight on the glass. Not a good thing.

See this:

http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showpost.php?p=2762306&postcount=2

 

[michael_jp]

182RG, thank you for the information about the trunk mount you were using before. And I like the fit of the aftermarket hitch receiver you placed in your X, I think I'll go the same path (hidden hitch). Is that from etrailer.com and did you installed it by yourself or in a shop?

I really appreciate your helpful advice.

 

[donm527]

i like. easy to put together and seems solid. just heavy but i'm ok with that.

I just ordered this yesterday...

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0018TFUHA

 

[michael_jp]

donm527, thanks for sharing your hitch bike carrier on your X, and the Thule carrier looks robust and steady...but, a little bit expensive.
It looks like you got the tow package and you could easily hide the hitch receiver when not in use....cool!

I just came back from biking, and the Yakima Quickback3 was very stable and I didn't notice any scratches or damages in the car. But, I'm still looking into the hidden hitch as 182RG advised.

 

[182RG]

Is that from etrailer.com and did you installed it by yourself or in a shop?

I really appreciate your helpful advice.

Myself. It was pretty straightforward. Btw..the pic isn't my Ex. It's from the eTrailer site.

 

[RonJrSVCMGR]

Modified Trailer Hitch Cap for Bike Carrier

Additional Trailer Hitch Cap modified to accommodate Bike Rack Carrier. Also pictures of Ford Factory Flaps installed.

http://s1060.photobucket.com/albums... Bike Rack Trailer Hitch Cap/#!cpZZ3QQtppZZ12

 

[KanewtZ]

Thanks for posting.
I was actually going to ask someone to post pictures of the factory mudflaps installed.
Look good. I have a pair ordered!

 

[Joe Dirt]

Nice work, Ron! The cover looks really good...

 

[Spengracin]

Ron' great job, thanks for posting the detail.

 

[The Cheat]

New Sport owner, pic with new bike rack

I've been on here since 2003 - I used to have a 2001 Sport. Here is my new 2013 Sport with a Thule T2 rack and my 2011 Trek GF Mamba:

 

[LONO100]

best hitch mounted rack on the market!

 

[dink117]

It looks good! How do you like the summer tires on it?

 

[The Cheat]

So far so good. I like the wider size for sure - they are 265/45/20's.

 

[sciond]

best hitch mounted rack on the market!

I am partial to my Thule Apex

 

[sciond]

I've been on here since 2003 - I used to have a 2001 Sport. Here is my new 2013 Sport with a Thule T2 rack and my 2011 Trek GF Mamba:

Very Nice.. I use the Thule Apex 5 and I ride a Gary Fisher Hifi Plus VPP bike

 

[blichy]

Very Nice.. I use the Thule Apex 5 and I ride a Gary Fisher Hifi Plus VPP bike

I have been thinking about getting an Apex 5. With 3 kids will need the ability for 5 bikes before too long.

 

[sciond]

I have been thinking about getting an Apex 5. With 3 kids will need the ability for 5 bikes before too long.

I bought for the capacity and the btter protection from scratches when using it

 

[singlespeed]

best hitch mounted rack on the market!

Personally, I like the Kuat Sherpa. It's light, easy to install/remove and it looks great!

I'll post a pic when I get a chance.